According to reports, Edward Snowden starts work for a Russian website in November.

theguardian.co.uk

Former United States spy agency contractor Edward Snowden has found a job working for a website in Russia, says a Russian lawyer.

Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor who disclosed secret United States internet and phone surveillance programs, was granted asylum in August after fleeing to Russia in June.

According to state-run news agency RIA, lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said Snowden starts work for the website in November.

"He will provide support for a large Russian site," Mr Kucherena said, adding that he would not name the site "for security reasons".

Russian president Vladimir Putin rejected pleas from the United States to send Snowden home to face charges including espionage, instead granting him temporary asylum which can be extended annually.

Snowden's location in Russia has not been disclosed and since July he has appeared in only a handful of photographs and video clips from a meeting with visiting former US national security officials who support his cause.

Mr Putin, a former KGB spy, said repeatedly that Russia would only shelter Snowden if he stopped harming the United States.

Mr Kucherena cited that condition as one reason Snowden would not answer questions from foreign investigators looking into allegations that the United States spied on leaders of allies.

"Snowden lives in Russia under Russian laws, he cannot leave the country as he would lose his current status," he said.

"Also under agreements, he cannot reveal secret information while he is in Russia."

Mr Kucherena had earlier said he hoped Snowden would find a job because he was living on scant funds, mostly from donations.